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Assessing Ecological Restoration in Arid Mining Regions: A Progressive Evaluation System

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  • Tianyu Zhu

    (College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
    Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology Ministry of Education, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China)

  • Chengzhi Li

    (College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
    Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology Ministry of Education, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
    Xinjiang Jinghe Observation and Research Station of Temperate Desert Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, Bole 833300, China)

  • Xiaocao Liu

    (College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
    Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology Ministry of Education, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China)

  • Xiaobing Zhao

    (College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
    Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology Ministry of Education, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China)

Abstract

The mining activities in arid regions have resulted in significant ecological environmental issues, exacerbating the already challenging ecological conditions and leading to severe ecosystem damage. Merely relying on natural recovery processes proves inadequate, thus necessitating the implementation of artificial restoration measures to facilitate ecosystem recovery in these arid mining regions. However, it is difficult to scientifically answer the questions of how artificial restoration can be effectively combined with natural recovery, and to what extent can artificial assistance can define the beginning of natural recovery in ecosystems. To address this issue, this study proposed a stepwise ecological restoration model for arid mining regions. The model delineated the ecological restoration process in arid mining regions into three phases: “artificial reconstruction”, “auxiliary ecological restoration”, and “natural recovery”, and constructed an evaluation index system of the stepwise ecological restoration process. Taking an example of a mining ecological restoration in Aksu, Xinjiang, this study examined the evaluation effects of the stepwise ecological restoration model on ecological restoration projects in arid mining regions. The research showed that adopting the stepwise ecological restoration model in arid mining regions can achieve scientific and moderate artificial restoration, better clarify ecological restoration goals, and facilitate the implementation of ecological restoration projects.

Suggested Citation

  • Tianyu Zhu & Chengzhi Li & Xiaocao Liu & Xiaobing Zhao, 2024. "Assessing Ecological Restoration in Arid Mining Regions: A Progressive Evaluation System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:6:p:2266-:d:1353662
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xinhui Li & Shaogang Lei & Feng Liu & Weizhong Wang, 2020. "Analysis of Plant and Soil Restoration Process and Degree of Refuse Dumps in Open-Pit Coal Mining Areas," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-17, March.
    2. Qiao Xu & Hailiang Xu & Yan Wei & Aishajiang Aili, 2023. "Restoration Effects of Supplementary Planting Measures on the Abandoned Mining Areas in the Altay Mountain, Northwest China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-12, October.
    3. Raymond, Christopher M. & Frantzeskaki, Niki & Kabisch, Nadja & Berry, Pam & Breil, Margaretha & Nita, Mihai Razvan & Geneletti, Davide & Calfapietra, Carlo, 2017. "A framework for assessing and implementing the co-benefits of nature-based solutions in urban areas," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 15-24.
    4. Tianyi Zhou & Tomohiro Akiyama & Masahide Horita & Ali Kharrazi & Steven Kraines & Jia Li & Ken Yoshikawa, 2018. "The Impact of Ecological Restoration Projects in Dry Lands: Data-based Assessment and Human Perceptions in the Lower Reaches of Heihe River Basin, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-18, May.
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    1. Jinbin Liu & Zexin He & Huading Shi & Yun Zhao & Junke Wang & Anfu Liu & Li Li & Ruifeng Zhu, 2025. "The Analysis of Spatiotemporal Changes in Vegetation Coverage and Driving Factors in the Historically Affected Manganese Mining Areas of Yongzhou City, Hunan Province," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-25, January.
    2. Niannian Li & Chonghao Liu & Jing Liu & Xiangying Jia & Xiaodi Ma & Jianan Zhao, 2025. "Opportunities and Challenges for Green Mining on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau: A Case-Based SWOT Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-23, September.
    3. Yan Mou & Bo Lu & Haoyu Wang & Xuan Wang & Xin Sui & Shijing Di & Jin Yuan, 2025. "Evaluative Potential for Reclaimed Mine Soils Under Four Revegetation Types Using Integrated Soil Quality Index and PLS-SEM," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-19, July.
    4. Juncheng Xiao & Chunwu Song & Cheng Yan & Zhengzhong Jin & Jia Duo, 2024. "Screening of Suitable Species Combinations for Vegetation Restoration in Ecologically Damaged Areas of Representative Coal Mines on the South Slope of Tianshan Mountain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-15, December.
    5. Chizhou Xu & Yande Jing & Yiwen Zhang & Yingchun Liu & Wenyang Yin & Shiping Zhao, 2025. "Identification of Ecological Security Pattern and Ecological Restoration Zoning Strategy in the Shandong Section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-23, February.

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